[Updated at 12:54 p.m. ET, 1:54 p.m. Chile time] Chile's mining minister Laurence Golborne said they have to do some maintenance on the door because of wear and tear from sending it up and down - but there are no major problems with the rescue capsule.

"It is difficult to open and close but it is still working," he said, adding that he expects the capsule to be sent down for the next miner shortly.

Golborne praised all of the work that had been done so far to rescue the seventeen miners - faster than anticipated.

"We are already half way through," he said. "We haven't had any single incident within this rescue process."

Golborne said that there are five rescue workers currently down in the mine - and one more will be sent down in the next few hours. They will decide who that will be soon, he said.

He added he hoped the entire rescue mission would be completed by the end of the day. The plan is for the rest of the miners to be brought up one-by-one, followed by the rescue workers. The sixth worker, who hasn't yet been sent down, will be the final one to be brought up, Golborne said.

"Up until now we feel really satisfied with the teamwork," Golborne said.

[Updated at 12:43 p.m. ET, 1:43 p.m. Chile time] The rescue capsule is still sitting above ground and hasn't been sent back down the chamber for the next miner, but we haven't heard if there's an official reason as to why.

We can see rescue workers and engineers fiddling with the door to the chamber, having someone go inside, and working on closing it. It is unclear if there has been any problem, or if it is just time for some scheduled maintenance to reinforce the door. Either way, this turnaround has taken a bit longer than earlier.

Omar Reygadas knelt in prayer with his brother after being rescued.

[Updated at 12:39 p.m. ET, 1:39 p.m. Chile time] Omar Reygadas exited the rescue capsule with a wide smile to the tune of cheers from rescue workers and his brother and family.

He was donning a blue hard hat with the word "Vive," meaning "live," scribbled on it.

Reygadas then knelt to the ground and prayed as he raised a bible in hand towards the sky. As he was being taken away on a stretcher for medical examination he raised and waved a flag with his name on it.

[Updated at 12:37 p.m. ET, 1:37 p.m. Chile time] 56-year-old Omar Reygadas has emerged as the seventeenth miner to be rescued from the Chilean mine.

As Reygadas made the ascent in the rescue chamber his brother stood nearby videotaping the efforts and messages of praise and congratulations from rescue workers.

Reygadas was originally a bulldozer operator, but following the mine collapse he has taken on duties as the foreman of one of the work shifts.

During his time trapped underground his children have kept a journal of their life above ground - something we're sure he's likely to want to read as he catches up and reunites with his family after more than two months.

[Updated at 12:10 p.m. ET, 1:10 p.m. Chile time] President Barack Obama watched television news coverage of the operation to rescue miners in Chile on Tuesday night and saw it as a "tremendously inspirational story," White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said Wednesday.

[Updated at 11:57 a.m. ET, 12:57 p.m. Chile time] The rescue capsule has been sent back down to the mine. 56-year-old Omar Reygadas is expected to be the next miner to make his journey to freedom.

[Updated at 11:52 a.m. ET, 12:52 p.m. Chile time] We are about at the midpoint of the rescues in Chile. So far sixteen miners have been rescued and 17 remain underground awaiting their ride up to freedom along with a few rescue workers who will exit last.

If you're just catching up, or want to take a look back, here are some of the highlights of what's transpired during the rescues and the miners' reactions from the first 13 hours and 30 minutes of the rescue.

[Updated at 11:50 a.m. ET, 12:50 p.m. Chile time] After exiting the rescue capsule Daniel Herrera and workers erupted into a Chile chant. He then went directly to hug and kiss his mother Alicia Campos.

He cried as workers clapped for him as he was escorted to be checked out by doctors.

Daniel Herrera hugs his mother Alicia Campos.

[Updated at 11:48 a.m. ET, 12:48 p.m. Chile time] Daniel Herrera, 27, is the sixteenth miner to be rescued from the underground mine near San Jose.

His mother, Alicia Campos, had been hugging rescue workers as she waited for her son to make the long trip. She wiped tears from behind her sunglasses and clapped as the rescue chamber came up from underground.

Herrera started his work as a truck driver, but is now acting as a paramedic assistant, taking on some medical duties in the mine since the collapse.

[Updated at 11:12 a.m. ET, 12:12 a.m. Chile time] It appears another rescue worker has been sent down in the rescue chamber. Unless a different rescue worker will be swapped out, the next person expected to make the journey up is 27-year-old Daniel Herrera.

Victor Segovia embraces a family member after exiting the rescue capsule.

[Updated at 11:02 a.m. ET, 12:02 a.m. Chile time] Victor Segovia has emerged from the underground mine as the fifteenth man to be rescued.

Segovia gave a thumbs up and hugged a family member before repeatedly saying thank you to Chile's president for their determination to help rescue them.

"Congratulations and may God be with you," Chilean President Sebastian Pinera said.

Segovia then hugged and said thank you to Bolivia's president and walked around to thank all of the rescue workers.

The 48-year-old, who has been dubbed the "writer" of the group, kept a journal of his experiences while trapped in the mine for more than two months. Those updates, and separate notes, helped let rescuers above ground stay informed about the surroundings in the mine and the miners conditions - both physically and emotionally.

He has five children and has worked as a miner since before he was 18.

[Updated at 10:55 a.m. ET, 11:50 a.m. Chile time] Family reunions are continuing to happen for the already-rescued miners. Video inside a building where the families are waiting to meet the miners shows several family members in tears embracing their loved ones - some shaking their heads and holding on so tight as if they won't ever let go again.

[Updated at 10:48 a.m. ET, 11:48 a.m. Chile time] Victor Segovia is headed into the rescue capsule. This will be what the view looks like for him on the way up:

While he was on the stretcher he reached up to hug Chilean President Sebastian Pinera, who grasped his hand and offered him words of hope, telling him he could now go back and enjoy life with his family. Zamora, his lip quivering as he spoke to the president, wiped tears from his face over his sunglasses. Bolivian President Evo Morales offered the same thanks and congratulations.

Jessica Cortez, his wife, and their child stood nearby tearful, but with wide smiles on their face as they waited for him to emerge. A rescue worker reached down and swapped hard hats with Zamora's son as he was being pulled to the surface.

Cortez put her hand over her mouth and tears began to stream down her face at the sight of her husband.

Zamora followed after his close friend Carlos Barrios who was rescued about 40 minutes ago. Zamora, 33, is a carrier pigeon handler and poet. Zamora didn't spend too much time regularly inside the mine, working mostly as a vehicle mechanic.

He and his wife Jessica Cortez are expecting a daughter in a few months and they now plan to name the baby Paz Victoria, meaning Peace Victory, if it is a girl. He and his wife moved to the mine after he lost his job when an earthquake in Talcahuano destroyed the area.

Bolivian President Evo Morales, left, and Chilean President Sebastian Pinera tell the media about their interactions with the miners.

[Updated at 10:18 a.m. ET, 11:18 a.m. Chile time] Chilean President Sebastian Pinera said each rescue is taking about 40 minutes and they are able to rescue about three miners every two hours. That means, Pinera said, if no other problems come up the rescues could end in about seven or eight hours - much earlier than anticipated.

Pinera said he has taken the time and spoken to each of the already-rescued miners

"They told us the first five days were really anxious-ridden, they didn't know what was happening on the surface," Pinera said. "But when they heard the drilling, they realized the country had not abandoned them."

Pinera said the miners told him that noise alone gave them a sense of release - and when contact was made for the first time, the miners knew for sure the country was behind them.

He added that many relayed the experience of being stuck underground had changed all of their lives and for many it gave "a new meaning to their life."

[Updated at 10:11 a.m. ET, 11:11 a.m. Chile time] Bolivian President Evo Morales and Chilean President Sebastian Pinera are holding a press conference near the site of the mine.

Morales said he hopes to return to his country with rescued Bolivian miner Carlos Mamani, depending on his condition.

"Bolivians will never forget" the accident and rescue, Morales said, thanking Chilean President Sebastian Pinera.

"This incident is uniting us more and more every day," Morales said.

One of the rescued Chilean miners told Morales upon seeing him, "We took care of (Mamani)," the president recounted.

Pinera said the rescues were a symbol that life had triumphed over fear and death.

"I am more convinced than ever that the greatest wealth of our country is not copper - but our miners," Pinera said.

"You never surrendered, you never gave up, and today we are harvesting the results," he said. "I know last night there were tears in every household in Chile, tears of joy."

Pinera praised the miners for showing the country how to endure and thanked the rescue workers for "carrying out a rescue that seemed impossible."

"Today october 13, 2010 - 33 has become a magic number," Pinera said.

[Updated at 9:57 a.m. ET, 10:57 a.m. Chile time] Next up for rescue: Victor Zamora. He follows the rescue of his friend Carlos Barrios. The pair have worked in several mines together before and their families have shared a tent at the Camp Hope site.

Workers are now preparing to send the capsule back down to get Zamora.

Carlos Barrios, like the other miners, is taken on a stretcher to have a medical evaluation.

[Updated at 9:52 a.m. ET, 10:52 a.m. Chile time] Carlos Barrios has just emerged from the mine in the rescue capsule, making him the thirteenth of 33 miners to be rescued.

Family members clapped and cheered in the direction of the capsule as they waited for him to exit.

Neighborhood residents walked around the quiet streets looking at the phalanx of media that had invaded the area around the hospital.

A Spanish cameraman wandered from media outlet to media outlet trying to get someone to lend him a camera. His cam had stayed behind at the mine last night after officials shut the one road in and out of the mine. Any car lights on the road, the rescue officials said, could counter the helicopter pilots night vision goggles as they ferried the miners to the waiting doctors.

[Updated at 9:39 a.m. ET, 10:39 a.m. Chile time] As workers prepared to rescue Barrios, his family members saw him on a screen enter the capsule and began clapping at the thought that it will only be mere minutes before they can see him. The other miners and rescue workers also cheered him on as the capsule went up towards the surface.

[Updated at 9:19 a.m. ET, 10:19 a.m. Chile time] The rescue chamber is being sent back down to the mine - this time with another rescue worker inside. Carlos Barrios, the foreman, is the next miner expected to be brought to the surface.

Edison Peña hugs his wife after being rescued from the mine.

[Updated at 9:13 a.m. ET, 10:13 a.m. Chile time] Edison Peña waved to the crowd as he walked out of the rescue chamber.

"Thank God we're alive," he said as he became the 12th miner to reach the surface. "I know now why we're alive."

"Please take a picture, please," he said, as he greeted his wife for the first time.

[Updated at 9:10 a.m. ET, 10:10 a.m. Chile time] The 12th miner, Edison Peña, has reached the top of the rescue chamber.

Peña, 34, also sent a request for music while he was down in the mine because of his love for music - especially Elvis. While trapped underground he led the group of 33 miners in sing-a-longs. He has reportedly also been running 10km a day underground in the available space.

Angelica Alvarez, his wife, stood by with a video camera in hand, pointed at the area where her husband would arrive after more than two months underground. She cried and clasped her hands as the capsule reached the surface.

A video image shows the chamber that miners inside the rescue capsule goes through during the rescue.

[Updated at 8:54 a.m. ET, 9:54 a.m. Chile time] The rescue capsule has reached the bottom of the mine and Edison Peña is expected to be miner number 12 to be lifted to the surface.

[Updated at 8:35 a.m. ET, 9:35 a.m. Chile time]A bearded Jorge Galleguillos came out of the chamber to a chant of "sing galleta" - a play on his last name and a reference to his request to sing and play the guitar when he was trapped in the mine.

After exiting the chamber he met one of his brothers, who he shared a long hug with. His brother held tight - and continued patting him on the back.

He then hugged both of the presidents of Chile and Bolivia and rescuers who were there awaiting his arrival. A Bolivian miner trapped inside the mine, Carlos Mamani, was rescued in the early morning.

[Updated at 8:28 a.m. ET, 9:28 a.m. Chile time]The eleventh miner, Jorge Galleguillos, has reached the top of the chamber and been rescued.

Galleguillos, who has been working in mining for 16 years, has had two previous work related accidents. But his family portrayed him as a man who loves mining - and regularly collects stones, minerals and rocks from the areas where he works. He had said in a previous video message that he was not feeling well in the mine, and he is on medication for hypertension.

Down in the mine, he was known as the "folklore guy," and had even requested a guitar be sent down to him. The mining minister wrote back, saying unfortunately they couldn't fit a guitar, but sent down music so he could listen and sing along to lift his spirits, as well as those of the other miners. Galleguillos, who is married and has several children, was also one of the miners concerned about his kids' schooling being impacted. The mining ministers, in response, set up a schooling area at Camp Hope.

[Updated at 8:25 a.m. ET, 9:25 a.m. Chile time]Galleguillos' family is clapping as they watch a TV monitor bring him from the rescue chamber.

The family said like others, they have become a part of a new large family, and will wait at the site until all miners have been rescued.

"One for all and all for one," one of the Galleguillos brothers said.

"We want to tell him how much we love him," his brother said, adding that their mother couldn't come because she was overwhelmed with emotion.

[Updated at 8:26 a.m. ET, 9:26 a.m. Chile time] Bolivian President Evo Morales is now at the site waiting for the arrival of Jorge Galleguillos with Chilean President Miguel Piñera.

[Updated at 8:19 a.m. ET, 9:19 a.m. Chile time] Chilean President Miguel Piñera has returned to the site of the rescues after resting for a short time.

Additionally, reporters on the ground and video shows as more rescues are going on, the time between the rescues is decreasing - perhaps a sign the workers are gaining more experience with the procedure and have gotten into a careful, but fluid rhythm.

[Updated at 8:14 a.m. ET, 9:14 a.m. Chile time] Jorge Galleguillos, the eleventh miner, has entered the rescue capsule and is preparing to begin his ascent through the rescue chamber.

[Updated at 8:00 a.m. ET, 9:00 a.m. Chile time]CNN's Sean O'Key reports that it is quiet at the hospital in Copiapo where miners are being brought for treatment. More police showed up in last half hour, but otherwise the scene is very calm - a stark contrast to the atmosphere last night.

[Updated at 7:57 a.m. ET, 8:57 a.m. Chile time] Workers have sent the rescue capsule down to retrieve the eleventh miner - expected to be Jorge Galleguillos.

Alex Vega gives a thumbs up after being rescued from the mine.

[Updated at 7:52 a.m. ET, 8:52 a.m. Chile time] Alex Vega, looking in high spirits, gave a thumbs up and crossed himself in prayer as he exited the rescue capsule.

He then took off his hard hat and kissed his wife and held her tightly as rescuers cheered in the background. Both cried as they held each other for the first time in more than two months. As he was put on a stretcher and into the required triage, his wife tightly grabbed his hand, and gave him her camera which he held up to videotape the crowd and workers watching. His wife wiped tears from her eyes as he was led away.

[Updated at 7:50 a.m. ET, 8:50 a.m. Chile time] The tenth miner has reached the top of the rescue chamber and been rescued. Alex Vega, 31, is a heavy machinery mechanic. He was doing repair work on a truck when the mine collapsed. Alex Vega's father is also a mining veteran.

He suffers from hypertension and kidney problems, officials said, and he will likely require medical attention when he gets to the hospital.

Vega got into mining because he wanted to earn more money to leave his parents' home to buy a house for his family. However, his wife Jessica Salgado says that while her husband is a bit stubborn, she's going to forbid him from ever working in a mine again.

[Updated at 7:33 a.m. ET, 8:33 a.m. Chile time] Alex Vega's brother said after a night of waiting and holding a vigil at Camp Hope he cannot wait to see his brother.

"Yes we're very excited," Jonathan Vega told reporters. "It is our turn and we are praying at all 36, with the rescuers, will come up. We are a big family - we are 33 families that have come together now. We are waiting for all of them."

Jonathan Vega and his family have been singing in anticipation of his arrival.

"In the beginning the wanted to bring him up last but he's having some back aches so he's very anxious," he said. "And that's why they are bringing him up now."

His wife, Jessica Salgado, smiled nervously and put her hands in her jacket pocket as she hugged rescue workers and waited for her husband to come out of the rescue capsule.

[Updated at 7:11 a.m. ET, 8:11 a.m. Chile time] The rescue capsule has been sent down to retrieve the tenth miner.

[Updated at 7:03 a.m. ET, 8:03 a.m. Chile time] Workers are checking the rescue capsule before sending it down to retrieve Alex Vega - who is expected to be the tenth miner that will be brought to the surface.

Mario Gomez kneels down to pray after being rescued and taken out of the rescue capsule.

[Updated at 7:03 a.m. ET, 8:03 a.m. Chile time] Mario Gómez' wife rubbed her hands and clasped them together in anticipation as he was being unloaded from the rescue capsule.

Gómez raised his hands gave two thumb up as he waved the Chilean flag proudly and pointed at his family. He has said he will never step foot in a mine again - a place he has worked since he was 12. His wife Lillane Ramirez has prepared a honeymoon for them as soon as he is ready.

After exchanging in a long embrace with his wife, Gómez dropped to the desert floor on his knees, and prayed with his hands clasped around the Chilean flag. He was then loaded onto a stretcher and covered in a blanket - but he raised his hand with exuberance in triumph as he was carted off.

[Updated at 6:57 a.m. ET, 7:57 a.m. Chile time] A ninth miner has reached the top of the rescue chamber and been rescued. Mario Gómez is the oldest of the group at age 63.

The day of the cave in Gómez, who has been mining since the age of 12, had been getting ready to retire but found himself in the mines to test a new truck. Gómez has lung problems because of his history of mining and also lost a couple of fingers during a previous mining accident.

He is known in the group of 33 as the spiritual one and requested a crucifix and other religious symbols so the men could construct a shrine underground.

[Updated at 6:49 a.m. ET, 7:49 a.m. Chile time] Gómez' wife Lillane Ramirez, stood by the site of the rescue video taping and readying her camera to see her husband. She held onto the arm of one of the rescuers, nervously joking as she and many of his family members stood by, anxiously waiting to see his face through the rescue tube.

[Updated at 6:35 a.m. ET, 7:35 a.m. Chile time] Gómez, the ninth miner and the oldest trapped underground, has been placed in the rescue tube and is preparing to be pulled to the surface.

[Updated at 6:25 a.m. ET, 7:25 a.m. Chile time] Mario Gómez, the ninth miner and the oldest trapped underground, has been placed in the rescue tube.

[Updated at 6:15 a.m. ET, 7:15 a.m. Chile time] Mario Gómez, 63, the oldest in the mine, is expected to be the next miner to be rescued from the mine. He would be the ninth member of the group of 33 to be rescued.

As the sun comes up over the mine and Camp Hope miners will be wearing sunglasses.

[Updated at 5:55 a.m. ET, 6:55 a.m. Chile time] Dawn is breaking in Copiapo, Chile and the miners will be facing a change in light as they emerge from the rescue chamber.

All of the miners now will likely be wearing sunglasses so they can adjust after being underground in darkness for more than two months.

So far, eight miners have been rescued, in a little under eight hours.

And I am so proud and happy to have a wonderful Latino wife from Colombia. Your people down under the Cross are a whole lot better hearted than the double tongues residing in the US. I am an American having been born in the Bronx, NY, however during my life this country has changed dramatically for the WORSE, especially so in the last 40 years. It is too greedy presently to get over its problems...God smiles on the miners of Chili, but takes those in the US when things like this have happened. Best wishes to these Latino people...please do not get "Americanized" when you come to live in this country...

@CUSEGUY
This is where your ignorance dominates your belief. Beth is absolutely correct! There was a 34th spirit down there with the 33 spirits. His name is GOD! It is he who kept them subdued and at peace by the Holy Spirit. And because of one TRUE Believer in the midst ( The oldest miner), the Holy Spirit used the 63 yr old miner to speak wisdom and faith that they will live. The 33 men IN the earth was not there because they chose to, they were there to show those ON the earth the God is still in the miracle working business and is able to do anything......you need to renew your MIND and be not conformed to the world's way....you really don't know how you are and what you are capable of with GOD!

It is so amazing to see all these people to have maintained their senses after 69 days underground.Good leadership was crucial to have all of them cooperate and not panic. Teamwork for a common goal played a very big part of this. America should learn from this teamwork. The Chilean president is amazing too. He really cares; staying in the site for a long time and hugging each miner is amazing. Good job !

Absolutely! So many people are praising God, which is fine – but let's remember the amazing teams who worked to bring these men to the surface. This was an event that could have no mistakes and they have been amazing.

I am happy and thankful for them all! Hopefully, the remaining rescues go smoothly. Now, if only the media would respect them and their families... After 69 days underground, you'd think there could be a little more time and space with their family without cameras and reporters buzzing around. Give them days/weeks – let them adjust. No one will be a more complete person for having heard their story 20 seconds after they come up. It's not a needed stress in these men's lives right now.

Been praying for this day for many, many days. I cry with every miner that surfaces. SO happy to see a happy ending to a news story. :)
CNN, you're doing a great job covering this via the live stream and blog. Thank you! It's allowed our family to be on vigil with everyone, until it's over.

Is it me or do they look pretty well groomed for being trapped down there for months. LOL I mean have they been shaving and stuff whil ethey were down there or did they send down that stuff just before the rescure so they looked good for the camera? Just saying. But it is amazing that they all seem to be healthy and safe. Also, when do they go back to work?

I would hope they sent them grooming supplies. Imagine if you'd been trapped in a hole for two months and were about to see people again – any people, your family, cameras or not. For morale's sake they would want to be groomed.

They have been receiving supplies thru a bore hole for the past month and half.... also down in the mine, there are natural spring waters, they've been using those to wash away waste (they made letrines) and shower daily... i'm pretty sure they were really bored down there.. and probably have more than enough time to take showers and take care of themselves... :)

Hats off to all the engineers, mechanics and scientists who helped pull these men from the depths of the earth. Love and hope and peace to the families of those being rescued. And to the men who are seeing the sunshine for the first time in two months- you're incredible. Your smiling faces are bringing me to tears. Your will to live is unbelievable and beyond inspiring. All the best to you and your families in your recovery and the future.

It is sad when poliicians use this oportunity to be on the news, Bolivian president Evo Morales has no bussines to be there stilling the spot light of the Chilean minors. Mr. Morales is corrently repressing miners in his own country in the city of Potosi. If he is concern about mining workers, he should be looking at the miners in his own country and explain how his military and police force has kill inocent miners in the city of Potosi for the past 4 months.

I believe that there was one Bolivian miner that was trapped. He was the only non-Chilean miner. He was one of the first handful to be rescued if I remember correctly. So yes – he had a right to be there.

About This Blog

This blog – This Just In – will no longer be updated. Looking for the freshest news from CNN? Go to our ever-popular CNN.com homepage on your desktop or your mobile device, and join the party at @cnnbrk, the world's most-followed account for news.